For NCP corporators, their ward matters most

After drubbing in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, NCP corporators in the city are a worried lot. Most are now facing the challenge of countering the Modi wave and retaining their wards given that municipal corporation polls are slated to be held in 2015. Some also feel that if the Modi government continues taking speedy decisions – the way it has been doing in the last few days - it will be a tough task for both the Congress as well as NCP to come back to power at least for the next 10-years. "I have been working for the people in my ward and know exactly what the residents want. I am sure that I will be re-elected. However, given the Narendra Modi wave in the country and his speedy decision-making, I would not like to stay complacent and would begin preparations for the coming civic polls right away by reaching out to every house in the area," said an NCP corporator, who did not wish to be named.

Another NCP corporator said, "Though the Lok Sabha elections were fought on a different plank, the numbers for Navi Mumbai were certainly alarming, as NCP candidate Sanjeev Naik got lead from very few wards. I would not like to take any chances in the coming corporation elections. Before that, we have the assembly polls and my workers and I will ensure we do maximum work for the people."

He added, "As far as corporation elections are considered, there are 5,500 to 8,000 voters in every ward, which means we have to reach around 2,000 families. It is not a tough task and given the alarming results in the recent elections, there is a need to connect more with people, go to their homes and see what problems they are facing in the ward and fight to get them solved."

Another NCP corporator from the city said, "I have made it a point to visit every house in my ward. I am working to retain my seat. During the Lok Sabha elections, people voted for Modi, but that will not be the case during civic polls, where people will vote for individual and not for party. I have been working for people and I am confident that I will get elected. My thrust is on reaching the people in my ward and getting their work done."